SUPERVISORY PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST

This position is in the Public Affairs Division, Office of External Affairs (OEA), Rural Development (RD), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Major duties

• Provides direction for overall communications development and implementation; production and updating of all Rural Development publications, brochures, fact sheets and annual special reports.
• Serves as advisor to state and local office staff to strategize on and develop marketing campaigns and communications materials (media advisories, public service announcement, story ideas) for Rural Development programs.
• Evaluates pending and proposed legislation with regard to communication and information needs, evaluates public information needs relative to Rural Development's varying programs.
• Proposes new and innovative approaches to disseminate information about Rural Development programs throughout the nation.
• Participates fully in the formulation, development, and execution of communication strategies, providing expert advisory and coordinating assistance to State Directors, state and local officials, and RD management officials.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education, as defined below Time in Grade: Current federal employees applying for a promotion opportunity must meet the time in grade requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled. For the GS-15 level: Applicants must possess one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level; or its non-federal equivalent. Specialized experience is defined as: performing full scope of supervisory duties, overseeing a team of public affairs specialists, leading the execut0ion of comprehensive communication strategies, and supervising public affairs programs that advance the organizational mission. Researching pending and proposed legislation and analyzing controversial programs to respond to both public and/or internal inquiries. Managing the development of policy changes in response to changes in levels of appropriations, or other legislated changes. Communicating both orally and in writing to explain complicated and/or sensitive agricultural laws and regulations, policies, strategies, programs and procedures for internal and external audiences to ensure consistent and accurate messages. Creating and formatting publications, brochures, fact sheets, memos, annual, and/or special reports per agency policy and record keeping regulations. Utilizing broadcast and print media relations, multiple media and social media platforms to disseminate information to internal and external audiences. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

Education cannot be substituted for experience at this grade level.

Requirements

You must be a US Citizen or US National. Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt. Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check. Direct Deposit - Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution. Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit https://www.e-verify.gov/. Subject to one year supervisory/managerial probationary period unless prior service is creditable. New USDA supervisors must successfully complete all components of the required training program before the end of their probationary period. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial period depending on your appointment type, unless previous federal service is creditable. During this time your employment will be evaluated, and we may consider: your performance and conduct, the needs and interests of the agency, whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government, and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary or trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.